Canned pork and beans (canned dried white beans with pork) is the product prepared from dry mature white beans of the species Phaseolus vulgaris L., with pork or pork fat; and with a packing medium or sauce consisting of water, tomato products, and any other safe and suitable ingredients permissible under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The product is prepared by washing, soaking, blanching, cooking, or other processing. It is packed in hermetically sealed containers and sufficiently processed by heat to assure preservation.
- U.S. Grade A is the quality of canned pork and beans that has the following attributes:
- Practically similar varietal characteristics;
- At least a reasonably good consistency;
- Practically free from defects;
- Good character;
- Good flavor;
- Good color; and
- Totals not less than 90 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.
- U.S. Grade B is the quality of canned pork and beans that has at least the following attributes:
- Reasonably similar varietal characteristics;
- Reasonably good consistency;
- Reasonably free from defects;
- Reasonably good character;
- Reasonably good flavor;
- Reasonably good color; and
- Totals not less than 80 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.
- Substandard is the quality of canned pork and beans that fail to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade B.
Inspection Aid
- Headspace Gauge
See How to Purchase Inspection Aids for more details.
Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:
- U.S. Standards for Canned Pork and Beans (pdf)
- AOAC Official Method 945.75 Extraneous Materials (Foreign Matter) in Products
- AOAC Official Method 945.92 Mold in Pizza and Other Tomato Sauces
- AOAC Official Method 965.41 Mold in Tomato Products
- AOAC Official Method 984.29 Howard Mold Counting Procedures
- A-516 Instructions for Scoring Headspace Discoloration (pdf)
- Certification Manual
- Condition of Container Manual
- FDA Food Defect Action Levels
- Foreign Material Manual
- General Procedures Manual
- Safety Manual
- Sampling Manual
- Sanitation Manual
- SC 364-7-2 Score Sheet for Canned Pork and Beans
- Technical Procedures Manual